Moffat nabs plum co-drive for Bathurst 1000

JAMES Moffat will join Tickford Racing as a co-driver for this year's Supercars Pirtek Enduro Cup events.

The 33-year-old found himself out of a full-time drive at the end of 2017 after two seasons with Garry Rogers Motorsport, returning instead to the team that gave him his first Supercars start as a co-driver to Steven Richards in 2010.

"This all happened pretty quickly," Moffat said.

"My main focus, once it became clear to me that I wasn't going to be able to remain full time in the championship, was to secure a co-drive that I thought put me in as good a position possible to win some of the biggest races of the year.

"Clearly Bathurst is the biggest, I think we can go there as genuine contenders for the race, and that's exciting for me.

"Obviously the team showed really strong pace towards the back half of the year, and hopefully the team can keep that momentum into 2018. It's good to have something locked away.

"I think all parties involved are excited about it, and I'm looking forward to the experience."

Moffat made his Supercars debut with the team as a co-driver in 2010.

Moffat's signing fills in part of the endurance driver equation at the newly-renamed operation, which was due to change with Richie Stanaway moving from Enduro Cup gun to full-time rookie for 2018.

"James was at the top of the list in our co-driver search, so bringing him aboard is a big tick for us," Tickford team principal Tim Edwards said.

"You always want a co-driver who has the right blend of pace and maturity to be quick and consistent, and we believe we've got that in James.

"He's had plenty of experience in these cars since debuting with us all those years ago, and should make a great addition as we go after another Enduro Cup and try to get back atop the podium at Bathurst."

It's yet to be confirmed who of Tickford's four drivers Moffat will partner.

Dean Canto and Steve Owen are entering the second year of two-year deals with the team having paired with Mark Winterbottom and Chaz Mostert respectively in 2017, the latter duo securing the team's first win in the Pirtek Enduro Cup.

The signing furthers the Moffat family's relationship with the team, which last year unveiled a Tickford-enhanced Ford Mustang road car to mark the 40th anniversary of James' father Allan Moffat's famous team 1-2 triumph in the Bathurst 1000.